Installing wood flooring, for the most part, is actually quite simple. Before learning how to lay solid wood flooring, there is some very important preparation. Ensure that you follow our guide and you will have a hassle-free wooden floor.
In fact, factory-finished floors can be installed straight out of the box. Because of these types of advancements, it is easier than ever to install a hardwood floor yourself. Obviously, hiring a professional to install your floors will take a lot less time than doing it on your own.
DIY Installation vs.
Laminate flooring installation has an intermediate level of difficulty, but it can be easy for most homeowners to take on. Installing laminate flooring on your own will take a few hours, and it requires the right type of equipment to ensure a solid and secure installation.
Laying a wood floor yourself requires basic DIY skills, the correct tools, and a good amount of time. It's essential to carefully measure your space, choose the right flooring type and installation method, prepare the subfloor, and be aware of the need for the wood to acclimate before installation.
Typically, installation of hardwood floor takes anywhere from 1 to 3 days. The average job size ranges from 1000 to 5000 square feet.
The best times of year are usually the shoulder seasons for installing custom wood floors. The spring and the fall are the most optimal seasons flooring projects. The main reason is the relative humidity levels are around 35%, which is as good as it gets for any project.
On average, a two-person crew can lay 800 to 1,000 square feet of flooring per day. Depending on the size of the planks and size of the room, the project can take one to three days to complete. However, you need to account for removal as well as any prep work that may be needed.
Underlayment is a thin layer of material/ padding that is laid under your hardwood floors and is typically found in the form of foam, rubber, felt, or some similar material.
In high humidity areas, it is always better to glue down the floor since gluing down reduces the movement of the wooden floor when there is a change in the moisture level of wood due to change in humidity. Gluing down also helps in laying wooden floors over a large area without expansion joints in the center.
Solid hardwood flooring is the most difficult of all to install. It's usually attached with a special flooring nailer then sanded with a drum type floor sander and finished.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are also one of the best types of flooring to install quickly and without a mess. The simple installation process involves a click-and lock-system that easily fits over your floor's sublayer. The new luxury vinyl floor is what's known as a floating floor.
Installing new flooring is pretty straightforward, especially if you're handy. Most homeowners choose to install their own floors, as you can save a lot of money by doing so. On average, installing the flooring yourself costs $0.50 to $15 per square foot for materials, not including your prep and labor time.
Whether it's reclaimed from a building or comes straight from a tree, the truth is, you can't beat a real wood floor. Wood brings warmth to any room. It's timeless. And with proper care and maintenance, it can last you a lifetime.
The average cost of installing hardwood floors is $3–$10 per square foot for materials and $3–$8 per square foot for labor, totaling $6–$18 per square foot. A single 200-square-foot room might cost $1,200–$3,600, while a 2,000-square-foot house could cost $12,000–$36,000.
Solid hardwood floors must be fixed into position by either gluing or nailing down to the subfloor. Engineered hardwood floors can be glued or nailed into position, but they also have the option of being floated over an underlay.
You may love the look of your hardwood flooring, but it's really not a good idea to put it in your laundry room. Foyer– All manner of things can be tracked in from outside, and the foyer of your home will bear the brunt of all of them. Sand, dirt, mud, water, snow, and more can all damage hardwood.
DON'T install your hardwood floors in rooms with excess moisture. DON'T install your hardwood below grade, such as in the basement. DON'T install hardwood in homes that are not climate controlled year round. The heat and winter extreme temperatures can be harmful.
Not Resistant to Humidty: Wood can be damaged by spills, standing liquids, and humidity which is why wood floors are not recommend for areas of high moisture and humidity such as full bathrooms.
Engineered Hardwood: Often The Easiest Wood Flooring to Install. If you're someone who's always on the hunt for the best hardwood floors, we've got to tell you—some of the most beautiful, most durable wood flooring can be found as engineered wood.
Vinyl flooring is a much more affordable option than both hardwood and carpeting. The synthetic option is water-resistant and durable, making it ideal for anywhere from the kitchen to the bathroom.
A good rule of thumb is to stick with two or, at the most, three types of floors for your whole house. For example, you could choose a type of large tile for high-traffic, high-spill areas like the kitchen, foyer and dining room. Then you could use smaller tile in the bathrooms.
It keeps the house looking consistent
If you have a color scheme or style that you love, having the same flooring flow from room to room will allow you to extend that feel throughout your entire home. Using the same flooring material ensures your home will have an elevated and cohesive design.
To simplify color choices, you'll use 60% of a dominant or primary color, 30% a secondary color, and 10% accent shade or color. The idea is to show you how to balance color in a room using your favorite colors.